Darcie Maranich

Last January, I made a list of goals that I wanted to accomplish before the clock struck twelve on Dec. 31. I haven’t actually done the math, but I’m guessing that my success rate hovers somewhere between 70 and 80 percent. Not bad, but for a perfectionist like me, when I see those numbers all I really see is the 20 or 30 percent failure rate. I can’t help but want to do it differently this year so that I have a better chance of success.

That is precisely what I’m doing.

Did you know that some people choose a single word as a theme for the year? It’s true. Healthy, balance, intentional and gratitude are popular one-word choices for defining the New Year. Each of those has merit, but I went a different route. I couldn’t narrow it down to a single word, so I’m going with a phrase. What’s my phrase? I thought you’d never ask. I’m going with: only love.

I’m a stay home mom to kids who are in school all day, which means that I spend a lot of time alone. My hands aren’t idle; I have freelance writing work and plenty of household chores to keep me busy. But spending so much time alone has spoiled me. I enjoy the quiet. I like that I don’t have to put up with annoying habits of coworkers (who stole my lunch from the break room fridge?!). There is also the perk of being able to complete a whole list of tasks without even having to change out of my workout clothes. The solitude suits me, you see. The downside is that leading such an independent life has served to exacerbate my introversion and leave me even more unwilling to engage socially. I find reasons (see also: excuses) as to why I shouldn’t bother with the parties, outings and events I’m invited to attend. My justifications aren’t hypothetical or untrue, but they focus on negative attributes instead of the good stuff.

That’s where my phrase comes in.

I’m making a serious effort this year to downplay the negative and choose instead to look at the world through what some might consider rose-colored glasses. I don’t expect that my adopted perspective will turn me into a social butterfly anytime soon, but I do expect that it will improve my attitude when it comes to stepping out of my comfort zone (or getting out of my yoga pants, as the case may be). I’ll check in with updates, if the situation warrants. In the meantime, I’m curious if you have adopted a resolution or a theme word this year. If so, please share in the comments.

1 comment:

It is nice to have times of solitude and quiet, because all of us need such periods of reflection. However, it seems to me that our time on earth, looking at it as a Christian, must absolutely involve engaging with the world. There are God given talents, many inherent and lifelong, some hidden and undeveloped, which give us an idea that no skill is accidental. God created us with talents to use wisely, and it may be used to encourage others, and share our faith by touching other lives. Once the children are older, it might be a good thing to re-enter the marketplace, because despite the foibles and annoyance of some co-workers, there is satisfaction found in the workplace that is deeply personal and beneficial.

Darcie Maranich was a teen mom long before MTV made it the next big thing. In the 18 years that have passed since, she's gone on to build a life bold and beautiful here in Tucson. A self-described rebel with a lifestyle blog, her posts at Such The Spot reflect on the ups and downs of life as a mother to four, including one daughter who rocks three 21st chromosomes (or has Down syndrome, in layman's terms). Her passions for handcrafted food, inspired travel and back-to-basics living make her someone to keep an eye on. She's @medarcie on Twitter.